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Brewster car show to memorialize area man

John Pirro| on June 28, 2014

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Bill Geller of Purdys, N.Y., who was killed in a traffic accident last year, with his restored 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. GellerâÄôs sisters have organized a classic car show in his memory that will be held at Temple Beth Elohim in Brewster on Sunday. less

Bill Geller of Purdys, N.Y., who was killed in a traffic accident last year, with his restored 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. GellerâÄôs sisters have organized a classic car show in his memory that will be ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

Brewster car show to memorialize area man

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BREWSTER, N.Y. -- Bill Geller was always ready to help his siblings or friends in a pinch, and his gift of gab made him the go-to speaker for anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations.

"He was the life of the party at family gatherings," said his older sister, Janet Geller. "He was always asked to speak because of his command of the language. The words just flew out of his mouth."

But 17 months ago, the voice of the talented, 47-year-old graphic designer was stilled forever. An elderly motorist hit Geller on Route 22 as he walked home from the grocery store after inadvertently locking his keys in his car.

Geller, who lived in Purdys, N.Y., left behind his wife, 14-year-old son, and the 1967 Karmann Ghia that he had lovingly restored and maintained.

So when Janet Geller and their stepsister Caryn Kaminsky were looking for a way to memorialize their brother, a long time classic auto enthusiast, the idea of a car show quickly came to mind.

The first Bill Geller Memorial Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine, at Temple Beth Elohim, 31 Mount Ebo Road North.

The two women had no idea where to begin when they started planning the event, Kaminsky said, but relying on suggestions from other members of the temple and their own sales backgrounds, they reached out to car clubs and vehicle owners at shows their brother liked to attend.

They also began soliciting sponsors for the auctions that will take place at the event.

"We were persistent," Kaminsky said.

Eventually, they obtained donations from more that 50 businesses and individuals. They include restaurant reservations, sports memorabilia, concert tickets and car accessories.

Geller's widow, Sheri, had a "vital" hand in organizing the event, Janet Geller said, and also designed the show's program. Bill and Sheri's son, Max, designed its logo.

There will also be live bands, food and trophies for the winning car show entrants. Registration for the car show will begin at 7 a.m.

Admission is free and all proceeds will benefit the temple. The sisters plan to make the show an annual event.

But the car show isn't the only thing Geller is doing to remember her brother.

She is also working with state Assemblywoman Shelly Meyer of Yonkers for legislation that would increase the frequency of testing for older drivers. The 88-year-old man who struck and killed her brother should not have been driving, she said.